The Ford Territory has been one of the most impressive vehicles I’ve encountered in recent years. It’s one of those rare cars that has seamlessly become part of everyday Filipino life, a familiar sight on our roads since its first-generation debut in 2020.
Last August, Ford Philippines surprised everyone by launching the all-new Ford Territory, now powered by a hybrid engine. To see what this new model could really do, we joined the media drive from Manila to Baguio and put the new hybrid through its paces.
Design: 4.5/5
The new Ford Territory Hybrid brings a sportier and more refined look compared to its predecessor, thanks to its redesigned front grille and more sculpted body lines. At first glance, it looks more like a compact SUV than a traditional crossover, confident, sharp, and well-proportioned.
From the rear, it retains the clean layout that made the original Territory popular, with subtle tweaks to the taillights and bumper for a more modern finish. The side profile remains familiar but gets a distinctive “Hybrid” decal along the lower door panels, proudly declaring its new identity.
We drove the top-of-the-line Titanium X variant on our trip up north. The main differences from the Titanium Trend variant include a panoramic sunroof, a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and a light-up Ford badge on the grille. It is a small touch, but one that adds flair and fun, especially at night.
Inside, the Territory Hybrid looks and feels premium. It comes with two-tone leather upholstery in white and black with yellow stitching that gives the cabin a sporty yet elegant vibe. The front seats are plush and supportive, while the panoramic sunroof in the Titanium X makes the interior feel bright and open.
Cargo space is generous at 448 liters, expandable to 1,422 liters with the rear seats folded, making it versatile for road trips or everyday errands.
Equipment: 4/5
This is the first Ford hybrid sold in the Philippines, and it is immediately clear how much that electric assist improves the drive. The electric motor delivers instant torque, giving the car a lively and responsive feel. It is a big improvement over the old gasoline-only model, especially when overtaking or climbing steep roads like Kennon.
Under the hood, the internal combustion engine produces 150PS and 230Nm of torque, while the electric motor contributes 218PS and 315Nm. Ford uses a dual hybrid system that switches between the two modes depending on driving conditions. In parallel hybrid mode, both the engine and the motor power the car. In series hybrid mode, the engine primarily functions as a generator that charges the 1.83kWh lithium-ion nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery.
This system makes the Territory Hybrid impressively efficient. On our drive from Seda Manila Bay to Rosario, La Union, we averaged 17.5km/L in mixed driving that included rush-hour traffic on the Skyway and high-speed cruising on the expressway. And we achieved that in Normal mode, not Eco mode.
During an efficiency challenge among participants, the winning team achieved a remarkable 21km/L, which is exceptional for a crossover of this size.
The transitions between EV mode and hybrid mode are smooth and refined. There is no jolt or delay when the gasoline engine kicks in. Apart from a faint engine note when accelerating, the switch between modes is barely noticeable.
Ride comfort is another strong point. The suspension feels soft and well-damped on highways, soaking up bumps and uneven roads easily. We even tackled rough, rocky stretches and roadwork zones along Kennon Road, and the car handled them without complaint.
On the winding Asin Road, the Territory Hybrid felt confident and composed. It is not a performance car, but body roll is kept in check. The front seats offer good side bolstering, keeping the driver stable during tight turns, though rear passengers might slide a bit during more spirited driving.
The Titanium X also comes loaded with Ford’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and more. The 360-degree HD camera is standard across both variants, providing excellent visibility for parking and tight spaces. One note: the forward collision warning tends to be a bit sensitive, sometimes triggering alerts even when there is still ample distance to the car ahead.
User Experience: 4.5/5
The Territory Hybrid is one of the most comfortable rides in its class. As a passenger, I almost dozed off thanks to the quiet cabin and smooth ride. As a driver, I appreciated how easy it was to handle. Steering is light and predictable, although the turning radius feels slightly wide for tight U-turns.
Ford clearly paid attention to NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels. The addition of an acoustic film on the windows helps keep road and wind noise to a minimum, even at highway speeds. Any remaining noise is easily drowned out by the excellent eight-speaker sound system, which delivers clear and rich audio.
The Territory Hybrid is also packed with thoughtful tech. The 12-inch infotainment display supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the interface is intuitive and responsive. The dual-zone climate control cools the cabin quickly, and the rear air vents ensure passengers stay comfortable even on long drives.
The Titanium X variant also offers ventilated front seats, which are a blessing during hot summer days. The subtle ambient lighting inside the cabin can be customized through the infotainment screen, adding a touch of sophistication during night drives.
If there is one area for improvement, it is the lack of manual control for regenerative braking. Other hybrids allow you to adjust the regen level to maximize efficiency during stop-and-go traffic. Also, there is no dedicated EV-only mode. The system decides automatically when to use the engine or motor, which means you will still consume some fuel even on short commutes.
Value: 4.5/5
The Ford Territory Hybrid starts at PHP1,399,000 for the Titanium Trend, while the Titanium X we drove is priced at PHP1,599,000. Considering the level of technology, comfort, and efficiency it offers, this is strong value for money.
Through rain, wind, and the occasional rough patch, the Ford Territory Hybrid proved its worth. From its quick, peppy acceleration to its spacious interior and impressive efficiency, this new hybrid feels tailor-made for the modern Filipino household. It is dependable for city driving, capable for long trips, and refined enough for anyone who values comfort and practicality.
Bottomline
The new Ford Territory Hybrid successfully builds on what made its predecessor a hit among Filipino families while adding modern efficiency and power. It looks better, drives better, and saves more fuel without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
For buyers looking to transition into electrified driving without the hassle of charging, the Ford Territory Hybrid is one of the most compelling options in its segment. It brings together versatility, style, and value in a way that feels perfectly suited for today’s Filipino driver.
Reviewed by Gabriel Pe
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 4